Source Record
LGBT Veterans Independent Review: Government response
Why this source is used
Government response to Lord Etherton’s review of the pre-2000 LGBT armed-forces ban.
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Source Status
- Publisher
- GOV.UK
- Type
- government
- Reliability
- high
- Cited by
- 6 pages
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Ban on LGBTQ+ Personnel in British Armed Forces
Despite the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales in 1967, the UK armed forces maintained an explicit ban on lesbian, gay, and bisexual personnel serving. The ban persisted in all branches—including Scotland and Northern Ireland—well into the 1990s.
Ban on LGBTQ+ Service Lifted in UK Armed Forces
The UK government lifted the ban on lesbian, gay, and bisexual people serving in the British armed forces, allowing open service across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
UK Government Apologises for Armed Forces LGBTQ+ Ban
In January 2021, the UK government issued a formal apology to LGBTQ+ veterans and service personnel dismissed or mistreated under the historic ban on serving. Senior leaders acknowledged the grave injustice and its lifelong impacts.
Compensation Scheme for Dismissed LGBTQ+ Armed Forces Personnel
In 2023, the UK government announced a compensation and redress scheme for thousands of veterans who were dismissed or suffered due to the armed forces’ historic ban on LGBTQ+ personnel.
